Camp Tres
Ritos

Tres
Ritos is the High Adventure base for the South Plains Council established
in 1959. The council had camped at several other locations in prior years
but could not find adequate water at those camps. They were able to find
it at Tres Ritos. The camp is located in the New Mexico's Carson
National Forest near Vadito, and only 75 miles southwest of Philmont Scout
Ranch, at 9,000 feet elevation. The camp itself is only on 17.5 acres with
10 campsites, but they have the whole Pecos Wilderness Area to roam around
in. The camp has 10 campsites located around a mountain meadow. They are
located just inside the tree line of fir and spruce trees in the
forest.

Wildlife
at the camp includes black bear, rocky mountain big horn sheep, cougars,
mule deer, elk and numerous types of small game and fowl. there are plenty
of opportunity to fish and earn the Fishing Merit Badge. However,
the State of New Mexico fishing licenses must be purchased before a scout
can participate in fishing. 12 and older requires a license to fish. Cost
is $30 for a 5 Day license. They do not sell licenses at the camp!

The camp runs for two weeks
in the summer, and there are several different high adventure programs
offered at the camp. Many troops use the camp as a starting point
for backpacking trips into the mountains. The Pecos Wilderness Area
is heavily forested with elevations from 8,857 to 13,132 feet and many
areas above treeline, and is considered by some to be equal to or even
more challenging than Philmont. Troops are able to backpack in this
area. The Backpacking Merit Badge, earning the “50 Miler Patch,” is a
challenge for Scouts and adults.. Additional merit badges, such as Hiking,
Weather and Wilderness Survival can be taught on the trail off camp.

All
cooking is done by patrols, with food provided by the camp, and troops
bring their own tents as the physical facilities are limited. Before winter
they "roll up" the water lines and store them due to the very cold weather
and snow. This camp is the most popular camp of the council.

Camp Tres Ritos has access
through the Carson National Forest to unlimited climbing and rappelling
opportunities. The camp has certified instructors and gear that give scouts
the experience of climbing natural rock on bolted sport routes.

Traditional merit badges
are offered to those Scouts and troops that remain in camp. These include
merit badge instructions in handicraft, archery, rifle, Scout outdoor skills,
nature, and Indian Lore.

Trail
to First Class (TFC): The primary focus of the Matador Patrol
is to introduce the first year camper to all that Scouting has to offer.
Each scout receives more personal support from the staff, as he pursues
requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Also,
each Scout earns his Tot’en Chip, Fire’n Chit, and First Aid Merit badge.
The class meets once a day for either the morning session or afternoon
session. A Patrol Guide introduces them to basic scouting skills. The Patrol
Method is emphasized. The Tres Ritos TFC program lasts the entire week
and include a variety of games, activities and lessons. .

Pecos
Packer: consist of two days of climbing and five days of backpacking.
This is a unique program of the camp in which Troops can make a one-week
trek through the Pecos Wilderness area. The terrain is similar to
Philmont Scout Ranch but it has mountains, water, and higher altitude.
Crews travel ten miles per day or less, depending on their goals.
There is also the opportunity to earn the 50 Miler patch in this program.

Shiverhawg: is
an informal annual OA work weekend at Camp Tres Ritos in New Mexico. Usually
held Memorial weekend, this weekend provides a chance for the Lodge to
be prepare the camp for the Summer Camp season. Typical work includes clearing
campsites of fallen trees, working on damaged water lines, and building
repairs. Also, since there is generally less physical work to do to prepare
Camp Tres Ritos than Camp Post, the Shiverhawg weekend is a chance to enjoy
relaxed fellowship in a beautiful outdoor setting with fellow Arrowmen.
After the work is done, Arrowmen spend time hiking, fishing, and having
a good time in the Pecos Wilderness. This event provides a chance to serve,
and have a great time doing it.

Winter Camp:
Winter Camp
provided a fun camping experience where scouts could work on programs and
activities not normally offered at summer camp or on a typical weekend
camping trip. All programs and activities were instructed by adults that
had volunteered their time. . Evening programs and other special events
completed the Winter Camp experience. It was a three day camp held
in February. The 2012 camp was scheduled to be held February 18-20.
All troops were expected to bring and be responsible for their own meals,
bring their own tents and camping equipment and at least 15 gallons of
water to be used in campwide purposes. Water was available in the
common areas for Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and Group Cooking purposes.
Program included a Winter Sled Relay race, Cobbler cook-off, Wilderness
Survival, and a Snowman Building contest.